Seven less than a number, divided.by 5, is -2.

Answer 1

Let x = the number

x - 7 represents seven less than that number

(x-7)/5 represents "divided by 5"

"is" translates to equals (=)

So the equation that models the problem:

(x-7)/5 = -2

To solve for x:

1) multiply both sides by 5

(x - 7) = -10

2) Add 7 to both sides

x = -10 + 7 = -3

Check:

7 less than -3 is -10

-10 divided by 5 is -2